TR-OR Whitesides

This is D and Ann. Well, we figured we could D0 the route. The real question was how fast? I wanted to be topped out by 3:00 to avoid any pm storms. A couple of buddies said 'Hmmmmmm...............drive from Charlotte, do the Original Route and be done by 3:00? I don't know........' So we left at 6:00am. The new highway 74 cuts the drive to 3 1/2 hours. We were at the base and geared up before 11:00 but we were behind a party of three bucketheads......shit! Now I don't want to inflame any helmetwearers...............I wear one myself sometimes........I just have one question. Why does putting on a helmet make you climb so SLOW! We knew we were hosed but we started the route anyway. Caught the bucketheads at pitch four, sat out a slight rain shower and bailed. Like Ahhhrnold said....... 'I'll be baaack......'

NEXT SATURDAY We are jazzed. This time we leave at 5:30. We caught a four party on the approach and they very graciously allowed us to pass. Nice folks from Mississippi. Weather was much better. A beautiful carolina blue sky day. We were on by ten and topped out at 2:30........What a great route! We performed it in six pitches. We ran the first two together. Did pitch three. Ran four and five together. Did the Crescent pitch. Ran the crux pitch and the traverse together, which is only possible with a 60 meter AND you CANNOT place gear after the bolts to protect the second. Then the last two go easily together. A milkshake in Highlands, a little sightseeing and were headed home. Back in Charlotte by eight. Good day........think we will tryTraditions next.

Bldrtoad

Short, Sweeeeet and to the point, Lots of fun, thanks The Rockrat...